This paper examines the multifaceted nature of beauty, encompassing evolutionary, biological, neurological, cultural, and individual factors. It explores the limitations of objective assessments, such as artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms like the Facial Aesthetic Index and Facial Youthfulness Index, which often fail to capture the diversity of individual preferences and cultural standards. While AI tools can provide valuable insights into facial features, their use in aesthetic medicine should be approached with caution, recognizing the importance of subjective perceptions. We emphasize the need for a collaborative approach that integrates AI insights with clinical expertise and patient involvement to achieve personalized and satisfying outcomes in aesthetic medicine. Ultimately, beauty is a complex and subjective experience that cannot be fully defined or assessed objectively, and successful aesthetic interventions require a holistic approach that values both objective data and individual perspectives.
{"title":"What Does it Mean to Be Beautiful? Exploring the Limits of AI-Driven Beauty Assessment.","authors":"Emmaline Ashley, Lee Walker, Priyanka Chadha","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This paper examines the multifaceted nature of beauty, encompassing evolutionary, biological, neurological, cultural, and individual factors. It explores the limitations of objective assessments, such as artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms like the Facial Aesthetic Index and Facial Youthfulness Index, which often fail to capture the diversity of individual preferences and cultural standards. While AI tools can provide valuable insights into facial features, their use in aesthetic medicine should be approached with caution, recognizing the importance of subjective perceptions. We emphasize the need for a collaborative approach that integrates AI insights with clinical expertise and patient involvement to achieve personalized and satisfying outcomes in aesthetic medicine. Ultimately, beauty is a complex and subjective experience that cannot be fully defined or assessed objectively, and successful aesthetic interventions require a holistic approach that values both objective data and individual perspectives.</p>","PeriodicalId":53616,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology","volume":"18 4","pages":"24-27"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12007659/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144043078","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Objective: The authors sought to determine the frequency and methods of race reporting in dermabrasion clinical trials.
Methods: A PubMed search for terms: "dermabrasion," "derm-abrasion," and "derm abrasion" was conducted, yielding 1,786 papers. The "Clinical Trial" and "Randomized Control Trial" filters were applied. Non-English manuscripts were excluded. Remaining manuscripts were manually screened. Forty-one papers met final inclusion criteria.
Results: Forty-six percent (n=19) of studies included mention of race, skin color, or Fitzpatrick skin type (FST). Four studies reported FST of 78 dermabrasion participants. Of these, 19 percent had FST I, 27 percent had FST II, 32 percent had FST III, 17 percent had FST IV, and 1 percent had FST V. Three patients (4%) were lost to follow-up and did not have FSTs reported. Twenty-two percent (n=9) of the studies including 513 patients reported race or skin color. The races of 107 (21%) could be definitively extracted. Of these 107 patients, 94 percent were White, five percent were Black, and one percent were Asian.
Limitations: Our search was limited to PubMed-indexed articles which were categorized as 1) clinical trials or 2) randomized control trials. Articles that were incorrectly indexed in accordance with the search tool may have been inadvertently excluded.
Conclusion: Our analysis suggests that the collection and reporting of racial demographic information has been rare in dermabrasion clinical trials. The absence of this demographic information limits the generalizability of the results. Given the health disparities that arise due to racism, investigators should collect and report participant races to improve risk stratification and transparency.
{"title":"Race Reporting in Dermabrasion Clinical Trials: A Systematic Review.","authors":"Sana Kamboj, Travis W Blalock","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>The authors sought to determine the frequency and methods of race reporting in dermabrasion clinical trials.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A PubMed search for terms: \"dermabrasion,\" \"derm-abrasion,\" and \"derm abrasion\" was conducted, yielding 1,786 papers. The \"Clinical Trial\" and \"Randomized Control Trial\" filters were applied. Non-English manuscripts were excluded. Remaining manuscripts were manually screened. Forty-one papers met final inclusion criteria.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Forty-six percent (n=19) of studies included mention of race, skin color, or Fitzpatrick skin type (FST). Four studies reported FST of 78 dermabrasion participants. Of these, 19 percent had FST I, 27 percent had FST II, 32 percent had FST III, 17 percent had FST IV, and 1 percent had FST V. Three patients (4%) were lost to follow-up and did not have FSTs reported. Twenty-two percent (n=9) of the studies including 513 patients reported race or skin color. The races of 107 (21%) could be definitively extracted. Of these 107 patients, 94 percent were White, five percent were Black, and one percent were Asian.</p><p><strong>Limitations: </strong>Our search was limited to PubMed-indexed articles which were categorized as 1) clinical trials or 2) randomized control trials. Articles that were incorrectly indexed in accordance with the search tool may have been inadvertently excluded.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Our analysis suggests that the collection and reporting of racial demographic information has been rare in dermabrasion clinical trials. The absence of this demographic information limits the generalizability of the results. Given the health disparities that arise due to racism, investigators should collect and report participant races to improve risk stratification and transparency.</p>","PeriodicalId":53616,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology","volume":"18 4","pages":"28-32"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12007651/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144045312","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Objective: We evaluated the cosmetic outcome and clearance of actinic keratoses (AKs) using photodynamic therapy (PDT) with microneedling-assisted delivery of 10% aminolevulinic acid (ALA) gel (Ameluz®, Biofrontera, Woburn, MA) with 30-minute incubation followed by 10-minute illumination with a red light (BF-RhodoLED®, 635nm, 37 J/cm2).
Methods: Five subjects were treated with red light PDT using microneedling-assisted delivery of 10% ALA gel. ALA gel was applied on the face and incubated for 30 minutes without occlusion, followed by illumination with a red light for 10 minutes (635nm, 37 J/cm2). Follow-up (FU) visits were made at Weeks 1, 2, 4, and 8. The primary endpoints were changes in subject- and investigator-graded Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) scores and assessment of quality in wrinkle, color evenness, texture, spot, and pore analyses with Canfield Visia-CR imaging system. Secondary endpoints were: 1) AK clearance as quantified by the count of AKs at eight-week FU versus baseline and 2) safety as measured by subject-reported pain (10-point VAS scale) during red-light illumination and adverse events.
Results: Investigator- and subject-graded GAIS scores showed a sharp increase to "much improved" at two weeks and increased to "very much improved" at eight weeks. There was an average 24.93-percent improvement in texture and an average 10.30-percent improvement in skin tone (color) evenness. AK lesion clearance ranged from 70 to 100 percent, with the mean at 89.2±14.9 percent. Three subjects achieved 100-percent clearance. The mean pain score during red-light illumination was 3.2±1.6. All subjects completed the study.
Limitations: The study included a small number of subjects (N=5).
Conclusion: Our results indicate that red light PDT using microneedling-assisted delivery of 10% ALA gel and a short 30-minute incubation is a safe and tolerable procedure producing good cosmetic outcomes in several skin quality parameters, such as texture and skin tone evenness, as well as an AK lesion clearance rate of 89.2 percent at Week 8, relatively low pain scores, and a reduced PDT treatment time.
{"title":"Red-Light Photodynamic Therapy with 10% Aminolevulinic Acid (ALA) Following Microneedling in the Treatment of Facial Actinic Keratosis: Cosmetic and Clinical Outcomes.","authors":"Gary Goldenberg, Ziv Schwartz, Faraz Yousefian","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>We evaluated the cosmetic outcome and clearance of actinic keratoses (AKs) using photodynamic therapy (PDT) with microneedling-assisted delivery of 10% aminolevulinic acid (ALA) gel (Ameluz®, Biofrontera, Woburn, MA) with 30-minute incubation followed by 10-minute illumination with a red light (BF-RhodoLED®, 635nm, 37 J/cm<sup>2</sup>).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Five subjects were treated with red light PDT using microneedling-assisted delivery of 10% ALA gel. ALA gel was applied on the face and incubated for 30 minutes without occlusion, followed by illumination with a red light for 10 minutes (635nm, 37 J/cm<sup>2</sup>). Follow-up (FU) visits were made at Weeks 1, 2, 4, and 8. The primary endpoints were changes in subject- and investigator-graded Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) scores and assessment of quality in wrinkle, color evenness, texture, spot, and pore analyses with Canfield Visia-CR imaging system. Secondary endpoints were: 1) AK clearance as quantified by the count of AKs at eight-week FU versus baseline and 2) safety as measured by subject-reported pain (10-point VAS scale) during red-light illumination and adverse events.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Investigator- and subject-graded GAIS scores showed a sharp increase to \"much improved\" at two weeks and increased to \"very much improved\" at eight weeks. There was an average 24.93-percent improvement in texture and an average 10.30-percent improvement in skin tone (color) evenness. AK lesion clearance ranged from 70 to 100 percent, with the mean at 89.2±14.9 percent. Three subjects achieved 100-percent clearance. The mean pain score during red-light illumination was 3.2±1.6. All subjects completed the study.</p><p><strong>Limitations: </strong>The study included a small number of subjects (N=5).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Our results indicate that red light PDT using microneedling-assisted delivery of 10% ALA gel and a short 30-minute incubation is a safe and tolerable procedure producing good cosmetic outcomes in several skin quality parameters, such as texture and skin tone evenness, as well as an AK lesion clearance rate of 89.2 percent at Week 8, relatively low pain scores, and a reduced PDT treatment time.</p>","PeriodicalId":53616,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology","volume":"18 4","pages":"51-56"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12007660/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144058039","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Rami H Mahmoud, Erik Peterson, Evangelos V Badiavas, Michael Kaminer, Ariel E Eber
This clinical review examines what is known about exosomes and their applicability to aesthetic dermatology. Exosomes are extracellular vesicles with crucial roles in intercellular communication. Their biogenesis is complex and not completely understood, but they are generally formed intracellularly in the endosomal compartment of a cell or through direct plasma membrane release. Several mechanisms of exosome uptake have been described and are dependent on the molecular characteristics of the recipient cell and exosome membrane. Furthermore, there are a multitude of exosome isolation and characterization techniques, each with their own potential advantages and disadvantages. Exosomes have demonstrated promise in preclinical models across various domains of aesthetic dermatology, including as anti-aging and anti-inflammatory therapies and as therapeutics for wound healing, scar reduction, and hair regeneration. However, clinical studies are lacking, and there are substantial safety concerns, such as the potential risk of infections, unwanted inflammatory response, and promotion of malignancy. Further research is needed to develop more precise analytical techniques to better understand the composition of exosomes, their safety profiles, and their potential applications to patient care.
{"title":"Exosomes: A Comprehensive Review for the Practicing Dermatologist.","authors":"Rami H Mahmoud, Erik Peterson, Evangelos V Badiavas, Michael Kaminer, Ariel E Eber","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This clinical review examines what is known about exosomes and their applicability to aesthetic dermatology. Exosomes are extracellular vesicles with crucial roles in intercellular communication. Their biogenesis is complex and not completely understood, but they are generally formed intracellularly in the endosomal compartment of a cell or through direct plasma membrane release. Several mechanisms of exosome uptake have been described and are dependent on the molecular characteristics of the recipient cell and exosome membrane. Furthermore, there are a multitude of exosome isolation and characterization techniques, each with their own potential advantages and disadvantages. Exosomes have demonstrated promise in preclinical models across various domains of aesthetic dermatology, including as anti-aging and anti-inflammatory therapies and as therapeutics for wound healing, scar reduction, and hair regeneration. However, clinical studies are lacking, and there are substantial safety concerns, such as the potential risk of infections, unwanted inflammatory response, and promotion of malignancy. Further research is needed to develop more precise analytical techniques to better understand the composition of exosomes, their safety profiles, and their potential applications to patient care.</p>","PeriodicalId":53616,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology","volume":"18 4","pages":"33-40"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12007658/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144040428","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Anna Guiotto, Alessandra Pecorelli, Zoe Diana Draelos, Audrey Gueniche, Margarita Yatskayer, Diane B Nelson
Objective: Skin aging is accelerated by glycative stress, which promotes the accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and impairs the extracellular matrix. A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial evaluated a dietary supplement containing rosemary extract (BioR), demonstrating tissular and visible improvements in skin quality. The data reported herein evaluated markers associated with glycative stress and AGEs from skin biopsies and tape strips obtained following dietary supplement use.
Methods: Female participants (N=104), aged 40 to 65 years, with moderate-to-severe skin dullness and roughness/texture, and mild-to-moderate erythema, pore size, and uneven pigmentation were randomized to BioR (n=52) or placebo ([PLB] n=52). Capsules were taken with food over 12 weeks. Subjects (n=16, BioR; n=16, PLB) underwent 3mm punch biopsies (volar upper arm) and tape stripping (16 tape strips, each; volar forearm) at baseline and 12 weeks for analysis of 4-hydroxynonenal protein adducts (4HNE [oxidative stress marker]) and AGEs.
Results: Immunohistochemistry and ELISA revealed that levels of 4HNE protein adducts were significantly decreased from baseline in the BioR versus PLB group (p<0.005; biopsies) and significantly decreased from baseline in the BioR group alone (p<0.05; tape strips) at 12 weeks. Significant reductions in AGEs occurred in the BioR versus PLB group (p<0.005; biopsies) at 12 weeks. No significant changes from baseline occurred in 4HNE protein adduct levels or AGEs in the PLB group.
Conclusion: After 12 weeks, a dietary supplement containing rosemary extract led to significant reductions in a marker associated with oxidative stress, a component of glycation, and AGEs versus placebo in skin in addition to visible improvements in skin quality.
{"title":"Reversing Oxinflammation Associated with Glycative Stress and Formation of Advanced Glycation End Products with a Dietary Supplement Containing Rosemary Extract.","authors":"Anna Guiotto, Alessandra Pecorelli, Zoe Diana Draelos, Audrey Gueniche, Margarita Yatskayer, Diane B Nelson","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Skin aging is accelerated by glycative stress, which promotes the accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and impairs the extracellular matrix. A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial evaluated a dietary supplement containing rosemary extract (BioR), demonstrating tissular and visible improvements in skin quality. The data reported herein evaluated markers associated with glycative stress and AGEs from skin biopsies and tape strips obtained following dietary supplement use.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Female participants (N=104), aged 40 to 65 years, with moderate-to-severe skin dullness and roughness/texture, and mild-to-moderate erythema, pore size, and uneven pigmentation were randomized to BioR (n=52) or placebo ([PLB] n=52). Capsules were taken with food over 12 weeks. Subjects (n=16, BioR; n=16, PLB) underwent 3mm punch biopsies (volar upper arm) and tape stripping (16 tape strips, each; volar forearm) at baseline and 12 weeks for analysis of 4-hydroxynonenal protein adducts (4HNE [oxidative stress marker]) and AGEs.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Immunohistochemistry and ELISA revealed that levels of 4HNE protein adducts were significantly decreased from baseline in the BioR versus PLB group (<i>p</i><0.005; biopsies) and significantly decreased from baseline in the BioR group alone (<i>p</i><0.05; tape strips) at 12 weeks. Significant reductions in AGEs occurred in the BioR versus PLB group (<i>p</i><0.005; biopsies) at 12 weeks. No significant changes from baseline occurred in 4HNE protein adduct levels or AGEs in the PLB group.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>After 12 weeks, a dietary supplement containing rosemary extract led to significant reductions in a marker associated with oxidative stress, a component of glycation, and AGEs versus placebo in skin in addition to visible improvements in skin quality.</p>","PeriodicalId":53616,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology","volume":"18 3","pages":"34-38"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11932104/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143712114","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Stefania Guida, Ilaria Proietti, Claudio Conforti, Carmen Cantisani, Nicola Zerbinati, Giovanni Pellacani, Hassan Galadari
Background: Treatment of post-liposuction skin irregularities (PLSI), a complication of liposuction, can be challenging.
Objective: Considering the increasing request of treatment of PLSI, the aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of CaHA diluted/hyperdiluted to PLSI.
Methods: A retrospective study on a total of eight PLSI areas in six women treated with CaHA diluted/hyperdiluted was performed. Efficacy was estimated on pictures of affected areas collected before and four months after treatment, according to the recently validated PLSI scale and Student's t-test for paired samples was performed to analyze data. Eventual adverse events were used to evaluate safety.
Results: Our results showed a statistically significant improvement of number and depth of depressions and a trend toward reduction of skin laxity.
Conclusion: This study reported the efficacy and safety of CaHA diluted/hyperdiluted for PLSI treatment. Larger studies are encouraged to support the results of this pilot study.
{"title":"Biostimulatory Fillers to Treat Post-liposuction Skin Irregularities.","authors":"Stefania Guida, Ilaria Proietti, Claudio Conforti, Carmen Cantisani, Nicola Zerbinati, Giovanni Pellacani, Hassan Galadari","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Treatment of post-liposuction skin irregularities (PLSI), a complication of liposuction, can be challenging.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>Considering the increasing request of treatment of PLSI, the aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of CaHA diluted/hyperdiluted to PLSI.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A retrospective study on a total of eight PLSI areas in six women treated with CaHA diluted/hyperdiluted was performed. Efficacy was estimated on pictures of affected areas collected before and four months after treatment, according to the recently validated PLSI scale and Student's t-test for paired samples was performed to analyze data. Eventual adverse events were used to evaluate safety.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Our results showed a statistically significant improvement of number and depth of depressions and a trend toward reduction of skin laxity.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study reported the efficacy and safety of CaHA diluted/hyperdiluted for PLSI treatment. Larger studies are encouraged to support the results of this pilot study.</p>","PeriodicalId":53616,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology","volume":"18 3","pages":"39-41"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11932099/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143712098","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Genital involvement is a frequent complication of plaque psoriasis (PsO) and is associated with substantial emotional and physical burden. We report a case of a male patient with genital PsO who did not respond to multiple systemic and topical therapies but achieved complete clearance with roflumilast cream 0.3% (a potent phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor). After 28 weeks of initial treatment with guselkumab, body surface area (BSA) affected had fallen from 42 to 8 percent; however, new genital lesions were noted. After eight months of additional topical treatment, BSA affected had fallen to 2 percent, but the patient had developed gluteal cleft lesions as well. Over the next three years, several topical and systemic treatments were tried, but his genital and gluteal cleft disease persisted and intense pruritus developed. Based on concerns about continued topical corticosteroid use, the lack of efficacy observed thus far, and the potential for rebound flare, once-daily roflumilast cream 0.3% was initiated. At Week 8, BSA affected had fallen to 1 percent, and was limited to residual scalp disease (which had not been treated with roflumilast); the genitals and gluteal cleft were clear, with slight erythema present only on the scrotum. At 16 weeks, genital and gluteal cleft disease remained well-controlled with no evidence of active disease. Overall, roflumilast cream 0.3% was well tolerated with no pruritus, folliculitis, irritation, or contact dermatitis observed.
{"title":"Roflumilast Cream 0.3% for a Patient With Genital Psoriasis Refractory to Other Topical and Systemic Treatments: A Case Report.","authors":"Melodie Young","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Genital involvement is a frequent complication of plaque psoriasis (PsO) and is associated with substantial emotional and physical burden. We report a case of a male patient with genital PsO who did not respond to multiple systemic and topical therapies but achieved complete clearance with roflumilast cream 0.3% (a potent phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor). After 28 weeks of initial treatment with guselkumab, body surface area (BSA) affected had fallen from 42 to 8 percent; however, new genital lesions were noted. After eight months of additional topical treatment, BSA affected had fallen to 2 percent, but the patient had developed gluteal cleft lesions as well. Over the next three years, several topical and systemic treatments were tried, but his genital and gluteal cleft disease persisted and intense pruritus developed. Based on concerns about continued topical corticosteroid use, the lack of efficacy observed thus far, and the potential for rebound flare, once-daily roflumilast cream 0.3% was initiated. At Week 8, BSA affected had fallen to 1 percent, and was limited to residual scalp disease (which had not been treated with roflumilast); the genitals and gluteal cleft were clear, with slight erythema present only on the scrotum. At 16 weeks, genital and gluteal cleft disease remained well-controlled with no evidence of active disease. Overall, roflumilast cream 0.3% was well tolerated with no pruritus, folliculitis, irritation, or contact dermatitis observed.</p>","PeriodicalId":53616,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology","volume":"18 3-4 Suppl 1","pages":"S24-S27"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11980900/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144048919","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Objective: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition with limited treatment options and a significant impact on quality of life. This prospective, open-label, real-world study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of strontium cream in alleviating pruritus in HS.
Methods: Fifty participants completed baseline and one-week post-intervention surveys. Pruritus was assessed using a numeric severity scale and a qualitative survey on overall itch reduction.
Results: Statistical analysis revealed a significant reduction in itching symptoms post-intervention, with mean itch scores decreasing from 3.80±0.90 at baseline to 2.28±1.50 post-intervention (p<0.001). Participant feedback also indicated overall satisfaction, with 84 percent of participants willing to recommend the cream to other HS patients.
Limitations: The study relied on self-reported data, which introduces subjectivity, and the absence of a control group limits causal inference.
Conclusion: Strontium cream demonstrates promise as a therapeutic option for managing pruritus in HS, warranting further research.
{"title":"Efficacy of Strontium Cream in Alleviating Pruritus in Hidradenitis Suppurativa.","authors":"Rubi Walker, Brindley Brooks, Steven Daveluy","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition with limited treatment options and a significant impact on quality of life. This prospective, open-label, real-world study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of strontium cream in alleviating pruritus in HS.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Fifty participants completed baseline and one-week post-intervention surveys. Pruritus was assessed using a numeric severity scale and a qualitative survey on overall itch reduction.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Statistical analysis revealed a significant reduction in itching symptoms post-intervention, with mean itch scores decreasing from 3.80±0.90 at baseline to 2.28±1.50 post-intervention (<i>p</i><0.001). Participant feedback also indicated overall satisfaction, with 84 percent of participants willing to recommend the cream to other HS patients.</p><p><strong>Limitations: </strong>The study relied on self-reported data, which introduces subjectivity, and the absence of a control group limits causal inference.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Strontium cream demonstrates promise as a therapeutic option for managing pruritus in HS, warranting further research.</p>","PeriodicalId":53616,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology","volume":"18 3","pages":"12-14"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11932098/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143712100","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mary D Sun, Brandon R Block, Simran Ohri, Timothy Rice
Despite increasing academic discourse surrounding psychodermatology, few dermatologists or psychiatrists demonstrate a clear understanding of the field. Barriers to physician awareness are double-edged, stemming from both inadequate educational opportunities and patient non-disclosure of psychodermatologic symptoms during clinical encounters. It is crucial that medical practitioners, especially in the field of dermatology, become accustomed to recognizing, diagnosing, and treating psychocutaneous disorders, which disproportionately affect members of historically marginalized populations. In this commentary, we propose recommendations for pedagogic supplements to be implemented throughout medical, post-graduate, and post-residency education to build familiarity with this subdiscipline and confidence in managing its associated conditions. In particular, we endorse the integration of components of psychiatry education into dermatology residency training and current practice, as skin symptoms tend to be more openly disclosed than mental health struggles, so dermatologists are often the first physicians to encounter many of these conditions. We also advocate for interdisciplinary collaboration to bridge the gap between the uniformity of standard specialty training and the complexity of psychocutaneous disease.
{"title":"From Psyche to Skin: A Call for Interdisciplinary Care in the Management of Psychodermatologic Conditions.","authors":"Mary D Sun, Brandon R Block, Simran Ohri, Timothy Rice","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Despite increasing academic discourse surrounding psychodermatology, few dermatologists or psychiatrists demonstrate a clear understanding of the field. Barriers to physician awareness are double-edged, stemming from both inadequate educational opportunities and patient non-disclosure of psychodermatologic symptoms during clinical encounters. It is crucial that medical practitioners, especially in the field of dermatology, become accustomed to recognizing, diagnosing, and treating psychocutaneous disorders, which disproportionately affect members of historically marginalized populations. In this commentary, we propose recommendations for pedagogic supplements to be implemented throughout medical, post-graduate, and post-residency education to build familiarity with this subdiscipline and confidence in managing its associated conditions. In particular, we endorse the integration of components of psychiatry education into dermatology residency training and current practice, as skin symptoms tend to be more openly disclosed than mental health struggles, so dermatologists are often the first physicians to encounter many of these conditions. We also advocate for interdisciplinary collaboration to bridge the gap between the uniformity of standard specialty training and the complexity of psychocutaneous disease.</p>","PeriodicalId":53616,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology","volume":"18 3","pages":"67-70"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11932102/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143712112","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Matthew Zirwas, Cynthia Trickett, Joe Gorelick, Kejia Wang, Keith Wittstock, Chaya Rosenberg, Douglas DiRuggiero
Clinical trials are designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of new drugs. However, greater focus is often placed on efficacy rather than safety. This review article discusses the fundamentals involved in evaluating the safety of a new drug. In addition, the principal challenges involved in the collection, analysis, reporting, and interpretation of safety data in clinical trials are described using relevant examples. These challenges include the fact that clinical trials are generally limited in size and duration, exclude high-risk populations, and have limited statistical power to detect rare but potentially serious adverse events (AEs) that might occur in real-world situations. Reporting of safety data across clinical trials is also inconsistent. A thorough understanding of the interpretation of safety data, especially the appropriate use of exposure-adjusted incidence rates (EAIRs) in relation to AEs, as well as the importance of comparing rates to those reported in the general population and in patients with psoriasis, is vital for making a well-informed assessment of the safety of a new drug. The information provided in this article could be useful to healthcare providers who must evaluate a large volume of safety data when providing evidence-based treatment suggestions and recommendations to their patients.
{"title":"Interpreting Safety Analyses in Psoriasis Clinical Trials.","authors":"Matthew Zirwas, Cynthia Trickett, Joe Gorelick, Kejia Wang, Keith Wittstock, Chaya Rosenberg, Douglas DiRuggiero","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Clinical trials are designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of new drugs. However, greater focus is often placed on efficacy rather than safety. This review article discusses the fundamentals involved in evaluating the safety of a new drug. In addition, the principal challenges involved in the collection, analysis, reporting, and interpretation of safety data in clinical trials are described using relevant examples. These challenges include the fact that clinical trials are generally limited in size and duration, exclude high-risk populations, and have limited statistical power to detect rare but potentially serious adverse events (AEs) that might occur in real-world situations. Reporting of safety data across clinical trials is also inconsistent. A thorough understanding of the interpretation of safety data, especially the appropriate use of exposure-adjusted incidence rates (EAIRs) in relation to AEs, as well as the importance of comparing rates to those reported in the general population and in patients with psoriasis, is vital for making a well-informed assessment of the safety of a new drug. The information provided in this article could be useful to healthcare providers who must evaluate a large volume of safety data when providing evidence-based treatment suggestions and recommendations to their patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":53616,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology","volume":"18 3-4 Suppl 1","pages":"S16-S23"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11980901/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143991608","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}